Lesson 29

The Sutra of Great Liberation L29 29

This session explores the heart of the Sūtra of Great Liberation, where ancient philosophy meets the realities of modern life. Khenpo Sodargye guides us through the “lion’s roar” of the Buddha—a teaching that asserts the permanence of awakened nature, the universality of Buddha-nature, the emptiness at the core of all things, and the ultimate unity of all paths. Through vivid analogies, honest reflections on the limits of language and tradition, and a candid look at the challenges of learning and practice, this talk invites us to see wisdom as something living and dynamic. The message is clear: true transformation is not about collecting rituals or titles, but about recognizing our own potential for clarity, resilience, and connection in a world that is always changing.

Teachings by Khenpo Sodargye.The Sutra of Great Liberation is a profound scripture taught by the Buddha near the time of his parinirvana. It is treasured in nearly every Tibetan household, where it is commonly recited for 49 days to help the deceased attain liberation. The sutra is filled with the sacred names of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and merely hearing or reciting them brings inconceivable merit. Khenpo Sodargye was deeply moved since childhood by witnessing a kind elderly man devotedly reciting this sutra daily, thus forming a profound connection with it. Through confession and practice of this sutra, one can purify negative karma and attain Buddhahood—it is truly an extraordinary path to liberation.